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It’s holiday time, and if you haven’t already, you need to begin packing your bags with everything you need, including those holiday safety essentials.
Let’s start with the basics: You’re going to need to pack the appropriate clothing. If you’re off to find the sun, then it’s shorts, sandals, and t-shirts. Or maybe you’re going to escape the heat in favour of snow with your jumpers and woolly hats.
When you’re on a staycation, then the British weather will require your whole wardrobe, including the waterproofs and sun hats.
You probably won’t want to forget those home comforts either. Tea bags, books, electronic devices, headphones, slippers, and plenty of snacks for the journey.
Although we hope your holiday goes to plan, you should add a few safety essentials to your holiday checklist. Here are a few we always make sure to squeeze in with us:
See Where You’re Going
It doesn’t matter what you have planned for your adventure, the chances are you’re likely to find yourself in the dark in unfamiliar surroundings. Having a torch or small lantern to hand means that when you go to the toilet in the middle of the night, whether you’re in a field or a holiday villa, a torch will light your path.
When you’re not tripping over or stubbing your toe, you’re less likely to wake up your whole family. Plus, you’re not injuring yourself, which is always a good thing. But more importantly, having a light will allow you to get to safety in an emergency.
With a small torch or lantern, they won’t take up much space either and will easily fit in your pocket so you’ll always have it with you, just in case.
Kiss It Better
Unfortunately, some injuries need a little more than just a kiss to make them better. That’s why you need a first aid kit, whether it’s in your rucksack or in the glove compartment of your car.
That way, wherever you are, you know you can always wrap a bandage or stick a plaster on a cut or graze. It has everything you need to give basic fire aid in an emergency.
In some European countries, it is actually a requirement to have one in your car.
Driving On The Continent
Particularly when driving in France, there are many other items which you must carry in your car under their law, and they’re quick to fine British travellers without them.
The EU Travel Kit contains almost everything that is recommended or required by various European countries for people driving on their roads. That includes a warning triangle, hi-vis vest, emergency bulb kit, a GB sticker, headlight beam benders, and two single-use breathalysers.
Bear in mind that every person in the car needs a hi-vis jacket, so make sure you grab a few extra for your passengers too. But even when you’re driving at home, many of these items are also great to have in the car in case of an emergency.
Extinguish A Fire, Not The Fun
It’s worth pointing out that a few countries, like Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden also require drivers to have a small fire extinguisher with them.
However, an extinguisher is particularly helpful when you’re out in the wilderness camping. With a campfire or barbeque going, it’s always advised to have something nearby to put out a fire quickly before it gets out of control. A 2kg powder extinguisher will tackle most small fires you’re likely to experience.
Protect Against The Silent Killer
No matter where you go, the risk of carbon monoxide is likely always to be present, and as we’re most at risk when asleep, it’s best to have one nearby when getting some shut-eye. The barbeque outside the tent, the gas cylinder in the caravan, or the boiler in your holiday apartment are all potential sources.
When going abroad, many countries don’t have the same high standards we have in the UK when it comes to gas safety. A carbon monoxide alarm will alert you before it reaches serious levels to avoid you becoming a horror story, and they’re safe to take on flights with you.
Now, all that’s left is to tick these holiday safety essentials off your checklist and to find room for everything you’re packing.
